An accurate impression of your teeth is essential for effective treatment planning and orthodontic care. We are proud to offer the 3Shape Trios Intraoral Scanner to capture the contours of teeth and gingival structures, producing an accurate digital orthodontic scan.

BENEFITS OF DIGITAL IMPRESSIONS

SUPERIOR ACCURACY – with no distortion from patient movement during set, removal of impression, or disinfection. INCREASED EFFICIENCY – A digital impression can be obtained in less time than it takes with traditional impression materials and techniques. ONSCREEN VISUALIZATION – allows for immediate adjustment to create the ideal orthodontic scan the first time. INCREASED PATIENT COMFORT – by eliminating the materials needed for traditional impressions.

THE DIGITAL IMPRESSION PROCESS

STEP 1: SCANNING – The orthodontic assistant scans your teeth using the intra-oral scanner to create a 3D digital image on the computer. A series of pictures are taken to get the exact shape and contour of your mouth and teeth. This can be used to create orthodontic appliances or to fabricate Invisalign aligners through our exclusive Invisalign Integration software. STEP 2: IMMEDIATE VISUALIZATION – Teeth Models build in real-time providing immediate feedback for patient and parent consultation. STEP 3: DIGITAL IMPRESSION REVIEW We review the 3D digital impression for optimal treatment planning. STEP 4: INVISALIGN PATIENTS This exceptional new technology is also known to be accurate, more environmentally friendly, and able to produce better-fitting Invisalign aligners with a significant reduction in fabrication time. With the 3shape scanner, our Dual Image Orthodontics team can keep you smiling from the first step of treatment to the last!

iCAT is a sophisticated Dental Imaging System that creates high resolution 3-D images of the patient’s teeth and jaws. The images allow Drs. Lockhart to show a visual diagnosis of the bones, teeth, nerves, sinuses, airway and structures of the head, face, neck and jaw. With this quick scan we are able to generate all of the images needed, without having to obtain the multiple images separately. An additional advantage of our iCAT technology is increased comfort for our patients. Unlike traditional x-rays, our iCAT machine captures the images without the use of invasive and uncomfortable devices that have to be placed inside of the mouth.

Technology is vastly improving and it is helping orthodontists to not only deliver improved quality of work, but also to deliver treatment more efficiently. Our in-house 3D printer allows Drs. Lockhart to fabricate high quality clear retainers and clear aligners to straighten teeth! The 3D plays an integral part in our office branded exclusive Clear Aligner system, Dualign.

AcceleDent is a treatment that is currently offered in our office to accelerate treatment times for orthodontics. Instead of wearing traditional braces for up to two years, Acceledent may reduce the length of treatment for adults, teens and children to less than one year with faster orthodontics to help you adjust and straighten your teeth in no time. AcceleDent is approved by the FDA and has been used by thousands of patients worldwide. You can now speed up your tooth movement by up to 30% using this pain-free, easy appliance. Combined with existing orthodontic appliances like Invisalign, patients can use Acceledent to potentially reduce their treatment time. It can also be used with traditional braces.

HOW IT WORKS

AcceleDent works by inserting a special mouthpiece with the pulse activator for 20 minutes a day. It uses gentle micropulses, called SoftPulse Technology® allowing movement of your teeth. Fitted around your existing braces AcceleDent can speed up tooth movement decreasing the duration of your orthodontic treatment. This patented technology will very gently vibrate through your teeth and gums to accelerate tooth movement guided by your existing orthodontic appliance and treatments. In order for the Acceledent procedure to be effective, patients are required to commit to at least 20 minutes a day.

The advent of lasers for the dental profession has been one of the most exciting technologies. Using the diode laser, Drs. Lockhart are able to perform frenectomies, gum recontouring after braces, exposure of erupting teeth, and crown lengthening. The soft tissue laser can not only eliminate the need for stitches, but also enables more precision and a better result after healing. Drs. Lockhart are excited to be able to offer this technology in the office!